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Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week: Nov. 14-21

For more than 25 years, the CJ community has spent the week before Thanksgiving thinking of others by participating in the national Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.

"The timing is nice because it is right before Thanksgiving and we can be thankful for our blessings," Director of Ministry & Service Kelli Kinnear said. "It can inspire us to give more."

The school's theme for this year's Hunger & Homelessness Awareness week is #bemercyCJ.

"That is from a homily where Fr. Bob challenged all of the students to live a life of mercy in how we treat one another," Kinnear explained. "He challenged the kids that anytime they saw something or heard something that was merciful to use that hashtag."

Beginning Monday, November 14, the students, faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute items that will be distributed to St. Vincent de Paul, The Food Bank, and Catholic Relief Services. These organizations will take the contributions to combat hunger and homelessness in the Dayton area and internationally.

During Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, each day has a theme corresponding with the suggested contributions for the day:

Money Monday (Nov. 14)

Toiletry Tuesday (Nov. 15)

Warm Wednesday (Nov. 16)

Fasting Thursday (Nov. 17)

Food Friday (Nov. 18)

Miscellaneous Monday (Nov. 21)

After school on November 14, students are invited to attend MLC Monday where a poverty simulation will be held. On Thursday, students who wish to participate can fast during lunch and prepare meals for St. Vincent de Paul.

"We hope students' awareness is raised a little bit about the hungry and the homeless, whether that's in our community, our nation or our world," Kinnear reflected. "We hope during the week students think about those who have less than what we do and that we're called as people of faith to serve and give back to people with compassion. I hope our students hear the message to be merciful, regardless of a person's circumstances - it's not for us to judge."